What makes this year so different?

For the first time ever, the public will have a say in who wins the prestigious gong for album of the year. An online poll will allow members of the public to choose the first of six finalists from 12 panel-chosen nominees. They won't get the final say though, that will go to the judging panel, who not only decide who the overall winner is, but also who the remaining five finalists will be.

Who is on the panel?

Irish DJ Annie Mac is one of six new judges on this years Mercury panelCredit:
Andrew Crowley

It's all change at the Mercury's as a new set of judges are introduced this year. While the final line-up hasn't been officially announced yet, we do know that several familiar faces will be joining the panel including Jarvis Cocker, who has won a Mercury prize himself. Jazz musician Jamie Cullum and 2014 Mercury nominee and poet Kate Tempest are also judging this year, alongside Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac. Wolf Alice singer Ellie Roswell, whose band was nominated for the prize last year, will also be joining the panel.

Producer Naughty Boy is another addition to the newly revamped panel. Known to his mother are Shahid Khan, the DJ is probably most famous for his tumultuous working relationship with former One Direction member Zayn Malik. The pair exchanged a series of explosive tweets last year after they fell out. Naughty Boy has previously created hits with the likes of Emile Sande, Sam Smith and Beyonce. All six of these additions are expected to help the prize seem more accessible.

Who are the potential contenders?

The nominations haven't been released yet, but some albums are looking like strong contenders. All that's required for an album to be in the running is that they are released between Saturday 26 September 2015 and Friday 29 July 2016 (inclusive) and are by a British or Irish artist. The records must also be available to buy as a digital download throughout the UK from at least one of the following retailers - 7Digital, Amazon MP3, Google Play or iTunes.

Potential contenders include the late, great David Bowie, for his critically acclaimed album, Blackstar which was released shortly before his death in January. The Telegraph's Neil McCormick declared Bowie's last musical offering "extraordinary" in his five star review.

Adele's 25 is a potential contender this yearCredit:
Gareth Cattermole/Getty

Adele's 25has also received a phenomenal response from both critics and the public, and could be in the running for the Mercury. The Tottenham-born singer has already collected four Brit awards in 2016, and will to headline Glastonbury festival later this year.

Elbow frontman Guy Garvey's debut solo album Courting the Squall, has recieved a warm response from critics, while James Blake was described as "doing a Beyonce" when he released his latest album, The Colour in Anything in May. His unique brand of experimental music could set him apart when the panel begins selecting the 12 nominees.

Nineties britpop bands are experiencing something of a renaissance at the moment, and the nomination of Night Thoughts, which was released by Suede earlier this year, could go some way to rebalancing the injustice of Blur missing out on a nomination last year for their hit album The Magic Whip.

When will we find out who has one?

First, the 12 finalists will be announced on Thursday August 4 live on BBC Radio 6 Music. You'll have to wait over a month for the award show itself, which will be held on Thursday September 15.

Where will the final award show be held and can I attend?

The final award show itself will be held at the newly rennovated Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, and a selection of the six finalists will perform. There will also be a special collaboration between the six finalists to celebrate the prize's 25th anniversary. Information is yet to be released on whether tickets will be made available to the public.